At least 42 people died and more than 80 wounded in a stampede on Tuesday in a Yemeni stadium where President Ali Abdullah Saleh was holding a pre-election rally, a Yemeni official said.

The official, according to Reuters, said the 42 people died in the crush that took place after the president left and people rushed to get out of the stadium in the southern province of Ibb. Reports said the stadium was crowded, with people standing on the ground as well as in the stands. Some 150,000 people were inside the facility.

"The president promised to compensate the families who lost a relative today. They will receive monthly salaries," the official said.

In Taiz province, 250 km southwest of the capital Sanaa, at least four people died and 10 wounded on Monday in a stampede at a similar election rally.

Yemen is due to hold presidential and local council elections on Sept. 20.